Archive · 25 Jul 2025
IGNOU Names First Woman Vice Chancellor: Professor Uma Kanjilal
Imagine a big school that helps people learn from anywhere, anytime.
This school, IGNOU, has never had a woman in charge...
until now!
Professor Uma Kanjilal, who knows a lot about learning with computers, is now the boss.
She was already helping out before, and now she's the main leader.
She's been working there for a long time and knows how to help people learn using technology.
She's also in charge of some important programs that help people learn online across India.
This is a big deal because IGNOU is a very large school and this is the first time they have had a woman in charge.
Professor Uma Kanjilal has been appointed as the first woman Vice Chancellor of IGNOU.
Her appointment breaks a nearly four-decade precedent since the university's establishment in 1985.
She served as Acting Vice Chancellor from July 25, 2024.
Kanjilal was Pro Vice Chancellor from March 2021 to July 2024.
She has held various leadership positions at IGNOU since 2003, specializing in digital education and open learning.
- Who
- Professor Uma Kanjilal, the first woman Vice Chancellor of IGNOU.
- What
- Appointment of Professor Uma Kanjilal as the first woman Vice Chancellor of IGNOU.
- When
- Her appointment was made on or around July 25, 2025.
- Where
- Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi.
- Why
- To lead and advance the university, leveraging her extensive experience in open and distance learning and digital innovation.
- University
- Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)
- New Vice Chancellor
- Professor Uma Kanjilal
- Appointment Date
- July 25, 2025 (approximate)
- Previous Role
- Pro Vice Chancellor (March 2021-July 2024)
- Specialization
- Digital Education, Open Learning
- Experience
- 36 years of service in Open and Distance Learning (ODL) system